What can shoot down an AC-130?

The AC-130U was armed with a 25mm Gatling-gun (capable of firing 1800 rounds per minute), a single-barrel, rapid-fire 40mm Bofors cannon, and a 105mm Howitzer.

What is the most powerful gunship in the world?

The AC-130 is the world’s biggest flying artillery gunship, nicknamed “Hell in the Sky.” With three side-firing weapons—a 25mm gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon, and a 105mm howitzer—it’s easy to see why it got its name.

What caliber does an AC-130 shoot?

The AC-130 is armed with a fearsome array of weaponry, including a 105 mm cannon and 25 or 40 mm gatling guns. The AC-130U employs a synthetic aperture strike radar for long-range and adverse weather target detection and identification.

Are gunships real?

A gunship is a military aircraft armed with heavy aircraft guns, primarily intended for attacking ground targets either as airstrike or as close air support. The term helicopter gunship is commonly used to describe armed helicopters.

Can AC 130 drop bombs?

Bomber. Of course, if it can bomb a ship then it can bomb a building. The most precise and imposing C-130 bombers are the Air Force’s Stinger II and the Marine Corps’ Harvest Hawk, both of which fire precision missiles and bombs. Daisy Cutter bombs were carried in C-130s and dropped into the jungle.

Was c130 shot down?

The 1958 C-130 shootdown incident was the shooting down of an American Lockheed C-130A-II-LM reconnaissance aircraft which had intruded into Soviet airspace during a reconnaissance mission along the Turkish-Armenian border.

Does the Air Force still use AC 130?

The first AC-130J squadron, the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, was activated at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Feb. 23, 2018. The last AC-130J delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2024.

What does the AC in AC 130 stand for?

The gunship’s AC identifier stands for attack-cargo. The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and has a flight speed of 300 mph and a flight range of 1,300 miles, depending on weight. The AC-130 gunship’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection.

Are AC-130 still used?

The AC-130U returned from its final combat deployment on 8 July 2019; the final AC-130U was retired in August 2019.

When was the last AC-130 shot down?

Jan. 31, 1991
That loss occurred 30 years ago, on Jan. 31, 1991, when an AC-130H Spectre gunship — one of the Air Force’s deadliest aircraft for supporting ground troops — under the callsign Spirit 03 was shot down by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile during the battle of Khafji.

Can AC 130 carry a tank?

Using its aft loading ramp and door, the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel.

How many guns does the AC-130 have?

Deadly AC-130 gunship in action firing all its cannons The AC-130 is the world’s biggest flying artillery gunship, nicknamed “Hell in the Sky.” With three side-firing weapons—a 25mm gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon, and a 105mm howitzer—it’s easy to see why it got its name. (3:07)

Is the AC-130 a good fire support aircraft?

The AC-130 is an excellent fire supportplatform with outstanding capabilities. Withits extremely accurate fire control system,the AC-130 can place 105mm, 40mm and25mm munitions on target with first roundaccuracy. The crew of these aircraft areextremely proficient working in militaryoperations in urban terrain [MOUT]

What is an AC-130U Spooky?

The AC-130U “Spooky” gunship’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection. The AC-130 has a rich history that includes support of military operations in Vietnam, Panama and Iraq as well as performing in many combat missions since it was fielded in the late 1960’s.

What is the history of the AC-130?

The AC-130 has a rich history that includes support of military operations in Vietnam, Panama and Iraq as well as performing in many combat missions since it was fielded in the late 1960’s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)